Diabetes is a common disease that is affecting a million of
people right around the world and the figure is rising every year.
General nutrition guidelines should be followed to maintain blood sugar
level to avoid complications.
Controlling blood sugar is the key to staying healthy.
First and foremost step is to know about the disease completely before starting to get ready for its cure.
Diabetes
is a metabolic disorder that prevents the body from utilizing glucose
completely or partially. There are three types of diabetes:
1. type I diabetes mellitus (insulin dependent)
2. type II diabetes mellitus (non insulin dependent)
3. gestational diabetes
The symptoms seen in a diabetic patient are:
1. Increased thirst.
2. Frequent urination.
3. Increase in appetite.
4. Weight loss in type I.
5. Obesity in type II.
6. Skin irritation.
7. Decrease in healing capacity.
8. Cuts and blisters, red spots, swelling in the feet.
2. Frequent urination.
3. Increase in appetite.
4. Weight loss in type I.
5. Obesity in type II.
6. Skin irritation.
7. Decrease in healing capacity.
8. Cuts and blisters, red spots, swelling in the feet.
Basics steps to be taken by the patient to control blood sugar are:
Regular Monitoring Blood Sugar Level:
Blood
sugar should be tested on a regular basis. Records should be maintained
of the blood tests, medicines and daily events. Patient should ask for a
haemoglobin AIC test at least twice a year. Should do a regular blood
pressure check ups cholesterol tests and other blood related tests. At
least once a year have a dilated eye exam to check for eye disease, foot
exam to check circulation and urine test to check kidney function.
Reviews should be made with the health care provider.
Limit Sugar Intake
Most
people think that sugar is only present in sweet foods such as
chocolates, pasties or ice cream but in reality a large amount of
refined carbohydrates such as white flours, bread, and white rice are
easily converted into glucose as well. Person should avoid alcohol and
smoking. Smoking damages health circulatory system which can lead to
heart disease and poor circulation for people with diabetes.
Get Fiber and Protein
Diet
plan should include fiber in form of raw fruits, vegetables, whole
cereals etc. Wheat bran should be added to wheat flour. This will
increase fiber in diet. Flaxseed and fenugreek seeds can be added into
the wheat flour. Cholesterol-lowering oatmeal can be taken in breakfast.
White meat such as chicken, Fish and shellfish are good for diabetics.
Cinnamon, garlic, onion, bitter melon and guar gum are good to reduce
blood glucose level.
Get Physical Activity
After
consulting the concerned doctor the patient should indulge in a regular
physical activity. For starters slow walking and swimming is advised.
Yoga is also a good option. All the activities should include a stress
free life.
Natural Home Remedies
Few natural home remedies too can be tried at home to control sugar.
1. Boil 15 fresh mango leaves in 1 glass of water. Leave overnight. Filter and drink first thing in the morning.
2. Drink a watery juice of a small bitter guard (remove seeds) every morning.
3. Eat tender curry leaves twice a day to reduce sugar
4. Take a juice of crushed fish berry soaked in water for a day first thing in the morning.- Murali V
